The Kingdom of Linge and Early Islamization in Central Aceh

Abstract

ABSTRACT : Kingdom of Linge is certainly still a stranger in the history of Indonesia. This kingdom does have a reputation that is still immersed in the mud of ignorance. In fact, if explored deeper, its role is very large in the development of Islam in the central part of Aceh. In addition, in a wider scope, the discourse of the history of Central Aceh is also still vaguely heard on the national and international scene. Socialization of the story of the past of Central Aceh needs to be done. Geographically, the Kingdom of Linge is located in the Central Aceh region, Aceh Province, Indonesia. Generally, this area is inhabited by the Gayo ethnic community. The Gayo people inhabit three districts, which in the past were part of this Kingdom, including Central Aceh Regency, Bener Meriah Regency, and Gayo Lues Regency. The Authors used two approaches to reveal the history of Central Aceh. Firstly, the archeological approach, in which has found specimens of early inhabitants of Central Aceh. Secondly, the approach of Islamic history, a study of when Islam entered Central Aceh was an interesting conversation to follow. Islamic “da'wah” (preaching) has become one of the important agendas carried out by the Linge Kingdom to foster its people. The vehicle for historiography is an important medium to present a description of Aceh's past that was not previously revealed, or only cursed. Promoting the history of Central Aceh is similar to moving the wheel of writing history into a more dynamic direction. Excessive discourse will feel less relevant if trapped in reps. KEY WORDS : The Kingdom of Linge; Prehistory Period; Central Aceh; Islamization and Tradition. About the Authors: Prof. Dr. M. Dien Madjid is a Full Professor of History at the Department of History and Islamic Civilization, Faculty of Adab and Humanities UIN ( Universitas Islam Negeri or State Islamic University) Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, Jalan Tarumanegara No.17-B, Pisangan, Ciputat Timur, Ciputat, Tangerang Selatan, Banten, Indonesia. Johan Wahyudi, M.Hum. is a Lecturer and Historian at the Department of Madrassa Ibtidaiyya Teacher Education, Faculty of Tarbiyah (Education) STIA ( Sekolah Tinggi Agama Islam or College of Islamic Religion) Al-Aqidah al-Hasyimiyyah Jakarta, Jalan Kayumanis Barat No.99 Matraman, Kayu Manis, Jakarta Timur, Indonesia. The Authors’ e-mail: dr.dienmadjid@yahoo.com and johan7790@yahoo.com Suggested Citation: Madjid, M. Dien & Johan Wahyudi. (2020). “The Kingdom of Linge and Early Islamization in Central Aceh” in TAWARIKH: Journal of Historical Studies , Volume 12(1), October, pp.1-20. Bandung, Indonesia: Minda Masagi Press owned by ASPENSI, with ISSN 2085-0980 (print) and ISSN 2685-2284 (online). A rticle Timeline : Accepted (August 24, 2020); Revised (September 19, 2020); and Published (October 30, 2020).